The Story Behind Sensate

​

From the very beginning of this project, I simply wanted to create a place where people could come and just be.

A space to breathe, slow down and let go for a while.

Somewhere people feel safe enough to relax, unwind and step away from the pace of everyday life. In a world that feels increasingly busy, noisy and screen-heavy, Sensate was always meant to be a small sanctuary where people can rest, recharge and reconnect with themselves.

​

Building the Space

When designing Sensate, it was important to me that the space was created as thoughtfully and sustainably as possible.

We live in a very throwaway culture, and I’ve always been passionate about reducing waste. Because of that, much of the space has been built using reclaimed, recycled or upcycled materials. Benches, doors, plants and other pieces have been given a second life here.

I’ve done much of the building work myself, with the help of a few brilliant experts along the way. What started out as what was essentially a rather unattractive junkyard has slowly been transformed into the green, peaceful space you see today.

Every part of the garden, spa and studios has its own story of that journey.

​

A Personal Journey

Yoga and meditation have been part of my life for more than 25 years, and I’ve been teaching for the past 10. These practices have been something I’ve returned to again and again, particularly during some of the more difficult periods of my life.

They have helped me stay grounded and find a sense of balance when things felt overwhelming. In many ways, Sensate grew from a desire to share that experience with others.

Alongside teaching, my main career for the last 20 years has been working in film, specialising in investigative journalism. That work has taken me all over the world, allowing me to experience many different cultures and ways of living.

Those experiences have shaped me deeply, and I hope small influences from those travels can be felt in the space here at Sensate.

At the same time, witnessing some of the more difficult realities of the world also strengthened my passion for mental wellbeing and creating spaces where people can feel supported, safe and restored.

And from that place, Sensate was born.

​

An Ongoing Project

Creating Sensate has been one of the most ambitious things I’ve ever attempted — and it’s still evolving.

At its heart, the idea remains very simple:

To create a little pocket of calm in the city where people can step away from the pressure of modern life and leave feeling a little lighter than when they arrived.

​

I hope Sensate gives you the chance to switch off for a couple of hours and you leave feeling a little lighter, happier and more like yourself again.
— Sarah, Founder of Sensate